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2012 HOME & GARDEN MAGAZINE. LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.com May 25, 2012
10
CREATE A COOL BREEZE:
What every homeowner should
know about ceiling fans
provided by ARAcontent
C
eiling fans are the jacks-of-many-trades, useful in nearly
every home space and in virtually every decor. They are also
a necessary element for homeowners looking
to cut utility bills. If you need a new ceiling
fan, it’s easy to get lost in the many available
options, which is why some tips from lighting
professionals can be helpful.
The American Lighting Association offers
the following tips about how to use ceiling
fans, integrate them into a decorating scheme
and size them specifically for
y o u r
rooms.
The many uses of ceiling
fans
Ceiling fans serve three
primary purposes. The
first is, of course, air
movement.
“In summer, ceiling
fans create a ‘wind chill’ effect that
makes the roomfeel 6 to8degreescooler
than the actual ambient temperature,”
says Joseph Rey-Barreau, associate professor
in the College of Design at the University of
Kentucky. “In winter, the direction of the blade
movement can be set to a counterclockwise
direction, which will help to move the
hotter air at the ceiling toward the edges of
the room and then downward. This helps to
distribute the heated air more efficiently.”
That is key to consumers’ interest in --
a n d
need for -- ceiling fans.
“That air movement
can help reduce heating
and air conditioning
bills in homes,” says
Maria Scutaro, president
of Murray Feiss Lighting/
Monte Carlo Fan Co.
Manufacturers have also
adapted ceiling fans to fit the
smallest of spaces -- even in closets -- with a
single blade and minimal motor that leaves
the ceiling fan able to hug the ceiling.
In addition, ceiling fans are a decorative
element and focal point for the interior
design -- a big change from the 1990s.
“There is an unlimited range of fan styles
and designs … as well as fans that are part
of a ‘family’ of lighting fixtures,” says Rey-
Barreau.
Finally, as a light source, ceiling fans
“can range from a night light to ambient
light to a fully directed light source,” says
Scutaro. “LED technology is bringing light
and additional energy efficiency to fans.”